Everything You Need To Know About International Student Rights In UK

As an international student, you would have conducted in-depth research on everything you need to know about your study in the UK process. Most overseas students, however, fail to conduct one important research, which is learning about the legal rights of students in UK. Every country has a set of rules and regulations that need to be followed by students immigrating on student visa. Failure to adhere to these can negatively affect your student or work visa application.

Thus, it is vital that you make a list of all the complete rights of UK students to avoid facing any mishaps such as discrimination or exploitation during your stay at this popular study-abroad destination. So, to simplify this process further, we have shared the list of student rights in UK, which you should be aware of.

What are the Legal Rights of Students in the UK?

It is important to be aware of your students rights in UK in order to avoid any unfair practices or misleading situations at your academic institution or work place. Refer to the international student rights list below for a better understanding:

Right to be treated fairly irrespective of gender, race, colour, religion or disability
Right to access education in any university (decision to be based on the academic performance of a student)
Right to express opinions in an academic discussion
Right to free speech
Right to pursue education in a safe environment
Right to safeguard personal information as per the data protection laws
Right to access student support services
Right to access any educational facilities as provided by the university
Right to retain rights on any project work conducted
Right to live in an accommodation space that is clean, hazard free and maintained well
Right to retrieve a contract that states the rent, additional fees charged or equivalent
Right to have your deposit protected (flat owners should not spend your deposit money and instead protect it under the tenancy deposit protection scheme)
Right to have your privacy respected when staying off-campus
Right to find a home irrespective of your gender, race, colour, disability
Right to be informed about rent increase (this can only be possible if it is mentioned in the agreement. Rent cannot be increased during the fixed term of your stay)
Right to work part-time during classes (up to 20 hours per week) and holidays (full-time)
Right to access an employment contract that states your wages, work timings and responsibilities
Right to access the National minimum wage in the UK
Right to refuse to work in areas that possess high danger
Right to be treated fair and equally
Right to access a National security number to legally start working in the UK
Right to have a paid leave, sick leave, maternity or paternity leave
Right to work in an environment that treats you fairly and without any discrimination or harassment
Right to conduct proper legal process in case of employment termination
Right to have peaceful protests
Right to access the same offerings as promised by the selected university
Right to stay in the UK for a minimum 2 years on a Graduate Route visa (applicable to student visa holders)
Right to pay national insurance and income tax
Right to pursue additional studies with your chosen academic institution
Right to pursue selective work types (waiter, tutor, clerk, etc.)

Also, as an international student, it’s your responsibility to ensure your contact details are updated with the university, all the UK student visa criterias and rules are followed, related documents are submitted from your end (example: Biometric residence permit), attend your classes regularly and exhibit good conduct whilst staying in the UK.

Conclusion

It will take you time to settle in the UK. As you kickstart your life journey in this new place, it is important that you also simultaneously learn how to live in this country legally. Furthermore, when you change or renew your visa, one of the important aspects that the visa officials will check is how well you have adhered to the rules and regulations mentioned for international students to follow. Thus, it is essential to be aware of student rights in UK. On the other hand, if you wish to learn more about the academic space in the UK or have related queries, get connected with our expert counsellors by booking a free 1-1 counselling session with them.